Chelsea are in advanced negotiations with Ajax over a deal for highly-rated defender Jorrel Hato, and have also held talks regarding the signing of RB Leipzig midfielder Xavi Simons.
The Blues are reportedly prepared to offer £44 million (€50m) for Hato, but Ajax are holding out for closer to £52 million (€60m). The 19-year-old, who is under contract until 2028, has informed the Dutch giants of his desire to leave this summer.
Hato, a versatile central defender who can also play at left-back, has long been on Chelsea’s radar. The club is believed to be highly impressed with his rapid rise to becoming one of the most promising young defenders in Europe.
Meanwhile, Simons is also on Chelsea’s summer shortlist. The Dutch attacking midfielder is expected to leave Leipzig before the window closes, although a move may not happen immediately. With two years left on his current deal, Simons is in high demand and is said to be weighing his options.
Departures Expected as Chelsea Reshape Squad
Chelsea are again expected to trim their squad this summer, with several outgoing deals being considered to make room for potential arrivals.
Among those who could be moved on is French attacker Christopher Nkunku, despite his contributions to Chelsea’s FIFA Club World Cup triumph. The club is also open to parting ways with Raheem Sterling, who returned last season from an underwhelming loan spell at Arsenal.
Other players who spent last season out on loan and are candidates for permanent exits include Ben Chilwell, Renato Veiga, and Axel Disasi.
RB Leipzig, meanwhile, are pushing to sign Carney Chukwuemeka after the midfielder’s loan spell at Borussia Dortmund. The 21-year-old still has three years remaining on his Chelsea contract, but Leipzig are keen to secure his services on a permanent basis.
Midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is also attracting interest, with Fulham reportedly eyeing a move for the former Leicester City man.
With several moving parts, Chelsea’s summer rebuild remains fluid, but the club is clearly intent on reinforcing key positions while offloading surplus players.